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Contract awarded for bulk oil removal from Manolis L

News release

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – The protection of our waters and marine ecosystems is a fundamental commitment of the Government of Canada. Protection of the marine environment and the safety of those at sea are top priorities for the Canadian Coast Guard. Dealing with this pollution threat supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to effectively dealing with wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced today that a contract, valued at $15,106,400.00, has been awarded to Ardent Global LLC for the removal of bulk oil from the Manolis L shipwreck near Change Islands in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Manolis L, which sank to a depth of more than 70 metres in 1985 off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, lay dormant until April 2013 when cracks in the hull, coupled with a powerful storm, allowed some fuel oil to reach the surface. Since then, the Canadian Coast Guard has been monitoring the Manolis L and conducting pollution containment operations.

This operation will remove all recoverable oil in the wreck, and significantly mitigate the threat of future oil leaks. Planning is already underway and bulk oil removal operations are expected to begin in July 2018. This work will help ensure that our oceans are healthy and clean for future generations, and able to sustain the fishing and tourism industries that coastal communities rely on.

Quotes

“It is essential to remove the threat of pollution currently posed by the Manolis L. We want to ensure that we have a healthy marine environment that can sustain important industries like fishing and tourism that our coastal communities and local economies rely on. We want future generations to have a great place to live and work.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“By awarding this contract, our government is implementing a real solution for the Manolis L wreck. This investment will protect our coastal environment and coastlines for those who live, work and visit there, now and into the future.”

The Honourable Carla QualtroughMinister of Public Services and Procurement

“This is an important step in our commitment to clean up Manolis L. shipwreck. Our Government has been working closely with other governments and the Citizens Response Committee to address concerns from the local community. Today’s announcement will help ensure a safe and healthy marine environment now and for future generations.”

Scott SimmsMember of Parliament, Coast of Bays –Central –Notre Dame

Quick facts

The Manolis L was a bulk freighter carrying a load of paper when it sank in 1985. The wreck lies upside down in 70 meters of water. Some oil was observed at the time of the sinking; however, it could not be recovered due to winter sea ice. There were no other reports of pollution until 2013.

Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response has conducted annual maintenance on the wreck to assess the condition of the hull and to contain the leaks. In 2016, a technical assessment determined that 115-150 cubic metres of oil remains trapped in the wreck. In addition, the Manolis L was carrying about 60 cubic metres of diesel fuel when it sank.

In Budget 2016, the Canadian Coast Guard received $6 million to conduct a technical assessment of the Manolis L. The report released in September 2016 assessed the specific location and amount of oil remaining in the wreck.